PCS to Illinois

Buying a home near Naval Station Great Lakes

Where do military families live near Naval Station Great Lakes?

Most Naval Station Great Lakes families live in North Chicago, Gurnee, Waukegan or Libertyville. With a VA loan you can buy with no money down, and your BAH can count toward qualifying. Start your pre-approval as soon as you have orders so you're ready to make offers before you arrive.

Where families live

Towns near Naval Station Great Lakes

North Chicago

Right next to the base.

Gurnee

To the west, with a suburban feel.

Waukegan

To the north, with a range of prices.

Libertyville

To the southwest. Quieter, at higher prices.

Good to know in Illinois

Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the country. If you have a disability rating, filing for your exemption can save thousands a year. We'll point you to the right county office.

Your PCS timeline

How to buy before you report

Your BAH can count as income when you qualify. Look up your new rate on the official DoD BAH lookup.

  1. As soon as you have orders

    Reach out and get pre-approved. Look up the BAH rate for your new location so you know what fits.

  2. Shop from where you are

    Tour homes by video with a local agent, and use house-hunting leave if you can get it.

  3. Make an offer and close

    You can often sign your closing papers from your current station. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can work. Tell us early so we set it up correctly.

  4. Move in

    The VA expects the home to be your main residence, usually within about 60 days of closing. If you're deployed, your spouse living there can count.

Naval Station Great Lakes questions

Straight answers

Where do most families live near Naval Station Great Lakes?

Most families look at North Chicago, Gurnee, Waukegan or Libertyville. The best fit depends on where your unit works, your budget and how much space you want. We can help you compare neighborhoods and commutes.

Can I buy a home near Naval Station Great Lakes before I arrive?

Yes. Many families get pre-approved at their current station, tour homes by video and close before or right after they report. If you'll be away, a specific power of attorney can let your spouse sign.

Can my BAH help me qualify?

Yes. Lenders can count BAH as income. Look up your rate for the Naval Station Great Lakes area on the official DoD BAH lookup, and we'll use it in your pre-approval.

Get started

Orders to Naval Station Great Lakes? Start now.

The earlier you get pre-approved, the more time you have to find the right home. One person on our team will be your point of contact from your current station to closing day.

Call See if I qualify